Inflatable waterpark for Osoyoos big step closer after council gives final approval

After getting approval from Town of Osoyoos council earlier this week, the owners of Okanagan Wibit should be able to open their fourth inflatable waterpark on Osoyoos Lake later this summer.

Okanagan Wibit already owns and operates successful inflatable waterparks in Kelowna, Peachland and Penticton.

Once the provincial government approves the project, which is expected to happen some time in the next few weeks. Okanagan Wibit has been approved to open an inflatable waterpark on Osoyoos Lake at Gyro Park near the Osoyoos Seniors Centre and Osoyoos Lawn Bowling Club.

Only one local resident showed up to voice his concerns about the proposal waterpark during a public hearing in late April.

Gina MacKay, the town’s director of planning and development, told council that a number of locations were considered since Okanagan Wibit first approached the town with a plan to open an inflatable waterpark back in 2016.

“Results of the public consultation process indicate support for this proposal,” said MacKay.

After proposed sites at Legion Beach south of the downtown and the beach off Cottonwood Drive on the east side of town were rejected for various reasons, the owner of Okanagan Wibit, Randy Gallagher, asked council to support allowing the park at Gyro Beach.

MacKay told council Okanagan Wibit now requires certain approvals from the province, including an environmental impact assessment.

Once the province finalizes its approval process, Okanagan Wibit is expected to set up the inflatable waterpark as quickly as possible as the busy tourist season in Osoyoos tends to unofficially open on the Victoria Day holiday weekend.

During a public open house in January, Gallagher and members of his family answered questions about the proposed park for almost two hours.

During a meeting in early April, MacKay said the proposed park would be an asset for Osoyoos and one that would be very popular with the many tourists who visit the community.

The waterpark will be anchored and surrounded by swim markers installed by Okanagan Wibit.

“The applicant is responsible for all approvals required from the province for installation of the water park,” said MacKay.

Okanagan Wibit would also be responsible for paying for liability insurance, lease fees, property truces, application and permit fees and lease payments for the use of municipal land.

Any cost incurred for environmental assessments will also be the responsibility of the applicant. The preparation of an Environmental Impact Assessment is at the discretion of the province.

Gallagher’s son and daughter are heavily involved in operating the three Wibit waterparks.